PreK Enrollment at Saint Michael’s School Jumps 36 Percent

Allisyn Tucker, four, of Lockport, learns to cut and count at St. Michael's Preschool in Orland Park. The school recently opened a full-day prek-4 program helping enrollment jump 36 percent.

Allisyn Tucker, four, of Lockport, learns to cut and count at St. Michael's Preschool in Orland Park. The school recently opened a full-day prek-4 program helping enrollment jump 36 percent. (Posted By St. MIchael Fall Fest, Community Contributor)

Posted by St. MIchael Fall Fest, Community Contributor

St. Michael Preschool Director, Patricia Paetow and the school’s Principal, Bernadette Cuttone, had their work cut out for them over summer break. The two were busy planning and making space for some 91 preschool children entering St. Michael’s for the 2013/14 school year, up 36 percent from last year.“We are thrilled at how popular the St. Mike’s PreK program has become,” says Principal Cuttone. “We were not expecting so many, but what a wonderful problem to solve.”Saint Michael’s preschool program opened its doors in 2009 with just 34 students. “We saw a need back then, and the program has just flourished,” says Cuttone.Enrollment also may have increased due to the launch of the school’s full-day (M-F, 7:30 am to 2 pm) option for its PreK-4 program this year."This is a great attractor for parents; an all-day program that's highly educational and prepares the children for kindergarten," Paetow says. “It also helps families keep their children in one safe setting all day.”The PreK curriculum is Catholic at its heart, aligned with state standards and hands on/play based learning. The children explore a new theme each week. The centers in the classroom will be prepared with interactive materials to support exploration of the themes ideas and concepts. “We balance large group, small group and individual activities to meet the needs of our students,” says Paetow. “We incorporate religion, art, math, music science, social studies and reading readiness in these settings.” The preschoolers also benefit from interactions with the older students at St. Mikes. “The kids work on special activities, shared reading and have lunch helpers. This helps to reinforce the concept of community we have at the school. Plus, the kids love it.”The teaching staff is also a big draw for families. The program has four full-time certified teachers and four aids to help keep the classrooms intact. “Our staff is exceptional. Each teacher and aid is committed to our students as though they were their own.” says Paetow. “They are loving, creative, hard-working and create an environment that makes children love coming to school.”For more information on the St. Michael Preschool program visit www.saintmike.org or email smspreschool@gmail.com or call 708-349-0068.